The Qtel Group has concluded a major Frame Purchasing Agreement (FPA) with Huawei to support its long-term development strategy across international markets.

As part of this agreement, Huawei will provide leading edge Mobile Radio Infrastructure across the operations of The Qtel Group. Included in this infrastructure is the deployment of Huawei’s Single RAN base station network and other innovative network systems solutions and services.

Under the FA, standard terms and volume-based discounted pricing for network equipment will be available to companies of The Qtel Group. The FA has an initial term of one year and may be extended at Qtel International’s option for up to two additional years.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of The Qtel Group said: “The Qtel Group strives to provide cutting-edge products and services to its customers and we are committed to delivering the highest quality at every level of our operations. In recent years, Huawei has emerged as an industry leader with extensive investment in research and development. As a strategic technology partner, Huawei has an opportunity for expansion of its footprint within The Qtel Group to enhance our services and network portfolio,” added Dr. Nasser.

Apart from customer benefits, the agreement will also enable The Qtel Group to better align networks across its international operations and better manage costs and resource allocation.

Mr. Ding Shaohua, President of MENA Region for Huawei said: “Huawei has gained a significant track record working with most of the world’s leading global communications companies. We are delighted to work closely with The Qtel Group, which is rapidly evolving into a leading innovative and visionary organisation. The technology agreement provides the framework to support key areas of The Qtel Group’s major innovations. We are pleased to form an alliance towards achieving their long-term objectives.”

Huawei will provide cellular wireless telecommunications infrastructure, including access radio, Circuit Switch (CS) and Packet Switch (PS) core and transmission systems. In addition, Huawei will also provide a range of services for The Qtel Group’s system operations.

Huawei’s portfolio includes state-of-the-art technology with systems that enhance performance to achieve higher quality of service. Additional system capability includes convergence at the core network in line with the trend towards all Internet Protocol core networks along with system functionality to support advanced system optimization ensuring best performance and quality of service.

Qtel has grown from a one-country operator in 2005 to a regional leader with a presence in 17 countries today. As a result of this significant transformational growth, the company increased its customer base from 500,000 to over 53 million today. Concluding a major agreement, such as the FPA with Huawei, is another important step in the company’s development towards achieving its vision to be amongst the world’s top 20 telecommunications companies by 2020.